This was Pastor Steve’s closing prayer at the Conclusion of the Sunday Sermon on June 23, 2019

Gracious Father, we find great comfort today in remembering Your tenacious commitment to change us – to make each of your children increasingly like Jesus. From beginning to end, salvation is of the Lord. Hallelujah! You began the good work of salvation in us, and You alone are sufficient to complete it.

We’d despair if this wasn’t the case, for the disparity between Jesus’ beauty and our brokenness is overwhelming at times. The thoughts we think; the things we feel; the choices we make, fall very short of the perfection that can only be found in Jesus. We could never be our own savior, and only a great Savior like Jesus is sufficient for people like us.

As a Holy Father, You are making us wholly holy – changing us through and through. You’re healing and freeing every part of our being – soul, and body – from the effects and affects of sin. You’re not anxious about the process. You’re at peace, even when I’m not. You don’t roll Your eyes, furrow Your brow, clear Your throat, or show any signs of a nervous twitch when You think about us. O kind Father, You rest in Your love toward us in Jesus.

Lord Jesus, we will be wholly blameless and shameless at Your second coming, only because You took our blame and shame upon the cross. Even now, our life is safely hidden in You, and when You do return, we will appear with You in glory; for You are my life – my righteousness, holiness, and redemption. I boast in You plus nothing, for I have nothing in myself in which to boast. My hope is built on nothing less, nothing more, and nothing other, than Your blood and righteousness.